It Just Fits
Sometimes you drive a vehicle, and like a pair of well-worn Hush Puppies, it just fits. I don't mean in size, but rather in
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| Sometime, like a pair of well-worn Hush Puppies, a vehicle just "fits". (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
lifestyle support and overall form and function. Such a fit doesn't necessarily involve expensive vehicles with lavish interiors and high-performance engines. So it was for me with the Highlander, Toyota's mid-size car-based SUV, which can be configured in front-wheel drive (FWD) powered by a thrifty four-cylinder powerplant, or in full-time four-wheel drive (4WD) powered by a heartier V6 arrangement. Also available with the V6 is optional third-row seating.
My first encounter with the
Highlander 4WD came last year during a Toyota media event, which saw journalists sampling the
Tundra, 4Runner and Highlander on a series of back roads through the foothills of the majestic Rocky
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| The Highlander is a car-based SUV, sharing much of its architecture with the Camry. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Mountains. Although it was the under-achiever when the testing found us challenging the rigs off-road in deep snow, because of its smooth ride and ease of operation, it was my personal favourite on the pavement.The Highlander is a car-based SUV, sharing much of its architecture with the Camry. Moderate ground clearance combined with an absence of low-range gearing and skid plates precludes it from achieving mountain goat status. But thanks to Toyota's advanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) technology, plus a boost in ponies for 2005, these impediments don't detract from the Highlander's tremendous capability in less arduous undertakings.
